How to Pick Basil From Plants

Fresh basil complements the flavor of tomatoes.

Annual basil produces its aromatic, flavorful foliage from spring until fall frost kills the plant. This culinary herb grows equally well in containers and garden beds, and even survives as an indoor potted winter plant. Harvesting the foliage throughout the growing season provides your kitchen with fresh herbs and also helps the plant remain full and healthy. Harvest basil as often as desired, as long as you leave enough of the plant in place to regrow fresh foliage for future use.

Things You'll Need

• Shears

Instructions

1. Grasp the tip of a basil stem in your fingers. If harvesting from a single stem, choose a stem that hasn't recently been harvested.

2. Cut off the stem 1/4 inch above a set of leaves. Cut so two to four leaf sets remain on the plant on each stem harvested.

3. Harvest from the entire plant to encourage lush regrowth. Cut back each stem so only four leaf sets remain on the stem.

4. Strip the basil leaves from the stem. Discard the stems and use the leaves fresh or dry them for later use.

Tips & Warnings

• If your basil plants sends up flower stalks, cut them off. Basil loses its flavor and stops producing if allowed to flower.

• Harvest basil first thing in the morning before the plants begin to wilt under the heat of the afternoon sun.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Basil in the Garden
• University of Rhode Island Extension; Growing, Harvesting and Using Culinary Herbs; Gary Gao, et al.; 2000